Health & Safety Frequently Asked Questions
General Health & Safety
Who is responsible for health and safety at work?
As the employer, you have the main responsibility. However, your employees also have a duty to look after their own safety and the safety of others.
What are the consequences of not following health and safety laws?
You could face serious penalties, including unlimited fines or even prison. Non-compliance can also damage your reputation and increase your insurance costs.
Do I need a written health and safety policy?
Yes, if you have five or more employees, you are legally required to have a written health and safety policy. It’s also good practice for smaller businesses.
What is the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974?
This is the main law for health and safety in the UK. It sets out the general duties that employers, employees and others have, to keep the workplace safe.
What is a health and safety policy?
A health and safety policy is a legal document outlining an organisation’s commitment to protecting the well-being of its employees and others who may be affected by its work. It’s a formal statement of intent, detailing the arrangements for managing risks and ensuring a safe working environment. It should be signed by a senior manager and reviewed regularly.
How often should health and safety training be done?
Health and safety training should be conducted as often as necessary to ensure competence and understanding. The specific frequency depends on the nature of the work, the risks involved, and any changes in legislation or work processes. Refresher training is typically recommended annually, or whenever a new risk is introduced.
Who is responsible for health and safety at work?
Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. Ultimately, the employer is legally responsible for the health and safety of their employees and anyone else on their premises. However, employees also have a duty to cooperate with their employer, follow safety procedures, and not put themselves or others at risk.
What are the 5 health and safety rules?
While there is no single list of “5 health and safety rules,” the core principles generally revolve around these key areas:
- Risk Assessment: Identifying and managing risks.
- Safe Work Procedures: Following established methods to perform tasks safely.
- Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wearing and maintaining appropriate safety gear.
- Reporting: Reporting all incidents, hazards, and near misses.
- Training: Participating in and applying health and safety training.
How to carry out a health and safety risk assessment?
- A risk assessment is a systematic process to identify hazards and evaluate risks. It involves five key steps:
- Identify the hazards: What could cause harm?
- Decide who might be harmed and how: Consider employees, contractors, visitors, and the public.
- Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions: How likely is the harm, and what can be done to control it?
- Record your findings and implement them: Keep a written record of your assessment and put the control measures in place.
- Review the assessment and update if necessary: Revisit the assessment regularly or after any significant changes.
Why is health and safety important in the workplace?
Health and safety is crucial for several reasons: it protects lives, prevents injuries, and reduces the risk of work-related illnesses. Beyond the moral and ethical duty, it is a legal requirement in the UK, with employers facing fines, imprisonment, or reputational damage for non-compliance. A safe workplace also improves morale, increases productivity, and lowers operational costs.
What are health and safety procedures?
Health and safety procedures are step-by-step instructions for performing tasks safely. They outline the necessary precautions, use of equipment, and actions to be taken to minimise risk. Procedures might cover everything from handling hazardous chemicals to emergency evacuation protocols.
How to improve health and safety in the workplace?
To improve workplace safety, you can:
- Encourage a safety culture: Make safety a priority for everyone.
- Conduct regular risk assessments: Proactively identify and control new risks.
- Provide effective training: Ensure all employees know how to do their jobs safely.
- Encourage communication: Create a system for reporting hazards and near misses.
- Lead by example: Senior management should demonstrate a commitment to safety.
What does a health and safety advisor do?
A health and safety advisor, or consultant, provides expert guidance to organisations on meeting their legal and moral obligations. They help with risk assessments, develop policies, deliver training, and ensure compliance with regulations like the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. They are a valuable resource for creating and maintaining a safe working environment.
How to report health and safety issues at work?
You should report health and safety issues promptly to your immediate supervisor, manager, or a designated safety representative. Most organisations have a formal reporting procedure, which may involve filling out an incident or near-miss form. In serious cases, or if you feel the issue isn’t being addressed, you can contact the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Risk Assessments
Do I need to do a risk assessment?
Yes, it’s a legal requirement to assess the risks in your workplace. This means identifying what could cause harm and deciding what precautions you need to take.
What’s the difference between a ‘hazard’ and a ‘risk’?
A hazard is anything that could cause harm (e.g., a wet floor, or an electric power tool). A risk is the chance that someone could be harmed by that hazard, and how severe the harm could be.
Do I need to write down my risk assessments?
If you have five or more employees, you must record the key findings of your risk assessments.
Specific Topics
How many first aiders do I need?
The number of first aiders you need depends on the size of your organisation, the type of work you do, and the risks involved. You must carry out a first aid needs assessment to work out what is “adequate and appropriate.”
Is Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) compulsory?
There is no law that says you must do PAT testing at a set time. However, you do have a legal duty to make sure all electrical equipment is maintained and safe to use. PAT testing is one way of helping you meet this duty.
What are the minimum/maximum workplace temperatures?
The law states that the temperature in a workplace should be “reasonable.” It suggests a minimum of 16°C, or 13°C if the work is physically demanding. There is no set maximum temperature, but employers should take steps to ensure a reasonably comfortable temperature.
Reporting Accidents
Do I need to have an accident book?
Yes, if you are an employer, it is a legal requirement to keep an accident book. It’s also a good way to track incidents and spot trends.
When do I have to report an accident?
The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) sets out specific rules for when you must report work-related accidents, diseases, and dangerous incidents to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Do I have to report ‘near misses’ to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)?
While not always required by law, it is very good practice to record and investigate near misses. This can help you prevent a serious accident from happening later. However, a ‘Dangerous Occurrence’, as specified by the HSE, does need reporting.
